Another Hero Lost to Time

Yesterday I rode once again with the Patriot Guard of Northwest Florida to honor another national hero. This gentleman was perhaps not known anyone reading this blog but he was as important a citizen as George Patton. His name was Arthur Leonard Williams. Arthur was a well loved man among his friends, church and family. He passed away after 91 years of life. He was an American of African heritage and a patriot thru and thru. Arthur was one of approximately 30 surviving Tuskegee Airman. He flew his P-51 Mustang during World War II protecting our heavy bombers and if not for he and his gallant squadron many people would not be here today to enjoy this land of the free and home of the brave. In 2002 Arthur was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his service with the Tuskegee Airmen.

I watched from my position of flag bearer as many elderly men and women filled the little church in Pensacola. Some were barely able to climb the steps of the 130 year old church building but with an apparent determination to make every step to the top. We assisted many and many more thanked us but preferred to make the climb themselves. I am sure that is the same determination that lived in the heart of Arthur.

I listened as friend after friend stepped to the small podium and shared a memory of a friend that will be most sorely missed. The great majority of attendees were senior citizens not too far behind Arthur. I felt sadness that there were not a lot younger people in the congregation. Perhaps it’s because Arthurs sacrifice was so long ago they had not heard. That same sadness came over me again thinking that all the treasures locked up in Arthurs mind are now gone from our nation’s archives. Many questions never asked that could no doubt have filled many history books.

It makes me wonder, had the local schools known about this extra ordinary citizen, would they have attended this funeral? Had they known Arthur was one of the greatest generation whom came between them and a life dictatorship, would they have come? Where were the news crews, the news paper men and the reporters? Was it not at least as good a story as a politician caught with his hands in the cookie jar?

We are losing these members of the greatest generation at a number of more than 1000 per day. If you find one of these national treasures (and by find I mean seek them out) be sure and sit down with them and spend some time listening to their stories. Write it down or tape it with a tape recorder but remember when the Patriot Guard Riders are standing a flag line for these gems, there will be no more time for stories or questions. Remember the words well of George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."